James Brown's Legend Lives On

Funk legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Bootsy Collins, heads up a tour to honor the godfather of soul-James Brown. Bootzilla Productions Presents: "A Tribute to the Godfather of Soul" and Bootsy would know THE MAN being as Collins started playing in the James Brown Band at 17. Bootsy brings together the original JB's Rhythm section including: Catfish Collins on guitar, Jabo Starks and Clyde Stubblefield on drums, Johnny Griggs and Bobby Byrd's son, Bart Anderson Byrd, will fill in for Bobby Byrd on organ and Tony Wilson who will provide the funked up lyrics and funky and furious steps.

Other performers on the tour include: The Hot Pants! Bobby Byrd Band featuring Mrs. Vicky Anderson Byrd along with sons and daughters, Escapism Band-started by Brian Hardgroove, bass player for Public Enemy, ICandi with vocalist, Ms. Candice, James Brown's daughter, Venisha Brown and Zion Planet, youngest of all artists on the bill at only 14 years old.

One last cool cat who has made quite a name for himself in the funk world is Freekbass. This dude is funkin' n' freakin' the bass, so the name fits! Freekbass blends old-school mixed with the new sounds of funk bass playing. Freekbass is keepin' the funk alive and will be sure to tear the roof off the mutha.

The tour will kick off on May 1 in the city of Brotherly Love, Philly and will hit many cities this summer in the U.S. and other countries. Don't miss your chance to celebrate the greatness of a man that was honored as the best of the best. Whether you remember him as Godfather of Soul or as The Hardest-Working Man in Show Business, James Brown could always leave his fans in awe. The incredible dancing, the overload of energy on stage and finally the deep-down performing from his soul, James Brown had the special something. Some guys have soul and some guys don't, James Brown had a MOTHER LOAD OF SOUL. Never to be forgotten, his music lives on and thanks to Bootsy Collins and company people can still enjoy good, old-fashioned Funk/Soul Music. For more info on this exciting tour, check out: http://www.bootsycollins.com.

By Jimmy Rae